By Jonalyn Cueto
Four high school students from Florida, New York, and Michigan have received academic scholarships totaling $25,000 through the Invest Higher Education Scholarship program for their pursuit of insurance-related degrees.
The 2025 scholarship winners are:
Students submitted essays describing how Invest influenced their career plans, a news release noted. Invest board members evaluated candidates based on essay quality, evidence of leadership, and demonstrated passion for the insurance industry. Additional judging criteria included extracurricular activities, grade point average, and interviews conducted with industry personnel in their communities.
Invest operates as a 501(c)(3) organization that works in high school and college classrooms across the United States to educate and attract future insurance professionals. The program is administered by the Big “I” and represents the insurance industry’s primary education initiative.
“We are proud to celebrate this year’s Invest Higher Education Scholarship recipients,” said Whitnee Dillard, executive director of Invest. “Each student has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and a strong commitment to their future. We look forward to supporting their continued growth and further engaging them in various opportunities across the insurance industry throughout their college journey.”
At the high school level, Invest offers students a business curriculum focused on insurance, including instruction on insurance agency and company operations. The college-level program develops students’ risk management and financial analysis skills.
The program aims to introduce students to career opportunities in an industry experiencing rapid technological evolution.
The 2025 scholarship winners will join previous recipients in a cohort program that provides mentorship opportunities with Invest board members twice annually throughout their college careers. The scholarships are funded through corporate and direct contributions.
“The mission of Invest is so important in perpetuating the independent agency channel by pointing students toward the many rewarding career opportunities in the industry,” said Charles Symington, Big “I” president and CEO. “These scholarships are just one way the program introduces young people to the independent agency system while also mentoring them with the connections that can launch their success. The Big ‘I’ is grateful for the donations that make these scholarships possible.”
How do you think programs like Invest can shape the future of the insurance workforce? Share your thoughts below.
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